Orlistat UK
Orlistat tablets are an effective weight loss medication for people with a BMI over 30. If your BMI is 28 or more, and you have other conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, then you may also benefit from orlistat.
This unbranded version of Xenical is used by doctors or pharmacists for treating obesity in patients with a weight management plan, that also includes diet and exercise.
It works by attaching itself to enzymes found in your gut – known as lipases – that break down fats, so they can be absorbed into the body’s cells. By blocking these enzymes, orlistat can prevent up to 30% of the dietary fat you eat from being absorbed.
The undigested fat then simply passes through the gastrointestinal system and leaves the body as waste. For this to work, you must carefully control your calorie intake and manage how much fat you eat throughout the day.
- Aim to have a well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables
- Reduce the amount of fat in your diet by cutting out dairy and sugary treats
- Exercise three to five times a week for 30 minutes or more
Your calorie intake should be spread evenly throughout the day, and each meal should contain around 30% fat. If your meal is 1000 calories then 300 of these should be fat.
This will help ensure the right balance of fat absorption.
How to take Orlistat tablets 120mg
The recommended dose of orlistat 120mg is one tablet three times a day. It should be taken with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after your meal.
Orlistat capsules should only be taken as part of a weight loss programme, and your weight should be carefully monitored. We recommend taking it for an initial period of 12 weeks, but it may be taken for longer, if you lose 5% of your body weight.
If you haven’t lost this amount of weight within 12 weeks of regularly taking orlistat, then it may not be the right treatment for you.
Clinical trials have proven that using orlistat is a more effective way to lose weight than dieting and exercise alone. However, it’s important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and you will not see results straight away.
We recommend reading the patient information leaflet before you start treatment.
More information on Orlistat 120mg capsules
As with any prescription medication it is crucial that orlistat weight loss pills are taken in line with the recommendations of your doctor or prescriber. The typical daily dose of this medication is one 120mg tablet with each of three daily meals. For optimal effectiveness, orlistat can be taken immediately before, during or within one hour after each meal. The capsule may be swallowed with water.
It is important to note that taking orlistat (Xenical 120mg) in excess can be highly dangerous. Instead, the correct dosage should be taken in conjunction with a well-balanced diet featuring a mix of fruit and vegetables. Snacking on sugary or fatty treats between meals is not recommended. orlistat (Xenical 120mg) is not typically required in meals containing little or no fat as the medication only works in the presence of dietary fat.
Never take a double dose of orlistat pills, even if you missed the dose for your previous meal. Should you miss several doses, inform your doctor and follow their advice. For further information on how to get the best results from orlistat, consult the instructions supplied with your prescription or ask your prescriber.
Orlistat Tablet Side Effects
As with any prescription medication, there are a number of side effects associated with orlistat. It is not uncommon for orlistat to cause small, harmless changes to bowel habits – typically characterised by oily or fatty stools.
In patients adopting a diet that is particularly high in fat, it is possible for an increase in adverse gastrointestinal effects. Other common side effects include mild headaches, abdominal pain, flatulence, an increased need to release the bowels or liquid stools. Disruption to menstrual cycles, tiredness and tooth or gum disorders are also not uncommon. Those with type 2 diabetes may find that orlistat results in low blood sugar levels.
Less common side effects related to orlistat 120mg capsules include allergic reactions – typically indicated by symptoms such as itching, rashes, wheals, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting. Rare cases may also result in rectal bleeding, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, gallstones, hepatitis or skin blistering.
In the event of any side effects, it is important to stop taking your medication immediately and consult your doctor.
Patients suffering from existing kidney disease should consult a doctor before beginning a course of orlistat, as its use has been associated with renal stones in some instances.
When not to take Orlistat capsules
Taking orlistat is not recommended among those who suffer from hypersensitivity to its ingredients, those who have chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women using orlistat in conjunction with the oral contraceptive pill should also consult their GP in relation to any possible contraceptive failure associated with severe diarrhoea caused by the orlistat.
Buy Orlistat Online UK
The quickest and easiest way to access orlistat 120mg medication is right here at PostMyMeds. As an online pharmacy offering safe, fully-registered prescription services, we make it simple to order. A short medical assessment questionnaire enables our team of qualified prescribers to approve and arrange for the dispatch of your order.
The checkout and payment process is also smooth, safe and seamless so that your prescription comes to you swiftly and discreetly, with maximum convenience.
Need further peace of mind? Feel free to browse our orlistat reviews and customer testimonials rating our customer service levels.
Have another question? Take a look at our FAQs section for answers to questions such as “What is orlistat” and “What’s the difference between orlistat and Xenical?”
As with all prescription drugs, Orlistat can cause side effects in some people. These include:
- headache
- abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort
- fatty or oily stools
- loose stools
- flatulence
Patients who stick to low fat diets are much less likely to experience common side effects, such as these.
If you normally take the contraceptive pill and you experience a bad bout of diarrhoea whilst taking orlistat, then the pill may not be absorbed and you should use a condom until you feel well again and as directed by the patient information leaflet or your GP for your specific pill.
Orlistat can interfere with the way the body absorbs vitamins A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble vitamins). To counter this, we recommend taking a multi-vitamin before going to bed or two hours after taking your last dose of orlistat.
For more information on side effects in orlistat, talk to your pharmacist or doctor, or download the patient information leaflet.
Does Orlistat work?
Studies have proven that, when combined with diet and exercise, Orlistat can help patients with a high BMI to lose weight. Some patients report losing up to 10% of their body weight within six months, but Orlistat only works when combined with a low-fat, caloried-controlled diet and regular exercise¹.
You can read more on this in our blog, ‘Do weight loss capsules actually work?‘
How do Orlistat capsules work?
Orlistat works by stopping the normal functioning of the enzymes responsible for breaking down the fat you eat. If the fat cannot be broken down, then it cannot be absorbed – in fact, Orlistat can stop up to 30% of the fat you eat from being absorbed.
How to get best results from Orlistat
Orlistat works best when it is used alongside a weight management plan that includes diet and exercise. To get the balance of absorption right, your diet needs to include just the right amount of fat spread evenly over three meals per day. We also recommend:
- Exercising four or five days a week for 30 minutes or more
- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and low in fat and sugar
- Prioritising self-care and relaxation for the best chance of success
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a weight loss medication designed to be used by people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30. If your BMI is over 28 but you have either high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, then you are also eligible to take Orlistat.
This prescription medicine is the only diet pill approved for use by the NHS. You may also see it referred to as Xenical – Orlistat’s branded equivalent.
How to take Orlistat 120mg
The usual dose of Orlistat is one tablet (120mg) three times a day. It should be taken with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after eating a meal.
Orlistat works best when it’s used as part of a calorie-controlled diet. Each meal should contain roughly 30% fat to get the balance of absorption right. If you miss a meal or you eat a meal without any fat, skip your usual dose of Orlistat and continue taking it as normal at your next main meal – never double your dose to make up for missing one.
Is Orlistat safe?
Orlistat is the only weight loss pill approved for use by the NHS. To get to this point, it has gone through a rigorous testing process, and has been deemed safe for use by the UK’s regulatory body for medicines and healthcare products (MHRA).
If you’re thinking of buying Orlistat online, we recommend using a regulated pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
What happens if you take Orlistat without eating?
If you miss a meal then you should skip that dose of Orlistat and continue taking it as normal at your next main meal. Not following the recommended guidelines is more likely to increase your chance of suffering from side effects. For a full list of cautions and side effects, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
How long does Orlistat take to work?
Weight loss is gradual and you shouldn’t expect to see immediate results. Your doctor or pharmacist will monitor your progress carefully, and if after 12 weeks you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight, then you may be offered an alternative treatment.
Does Orlistat burn existing fat?
Orlistat stops your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat, but it will not burn existing fat. It works best when it’s used as part of a weight loss programme that includes diet and exercise, and these things will help you to burn existing fat.
What’s the difference between orlistat and Xenical?
Xenical is the branded version of orlistat. They both contain the same active ingredient (orlistat) and work in the same way, but because orlistat is unbranded, it is cheaper.
Can I drink alcohol while taking orlistat 120mg?
Drinking alcohol does not interfere with orlistat, but it does contain calories and this is counterproductive to a weight loss programme. Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink will help you reach your weight loss goal quicker.
What should I do if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take your orlistat tablet and it is still within an hour of your last meal, then you should take the missing dose. If the time allowed has passed, you should wait until your next meal and take 120mg of orlistat as normal.
Never take extra tablets to make up for missed doses.
Should I still take Orlistat if I haven’t eaten anything?
If you miss a meal, or you eat a meal without any fat in it, then do not take orlistat. Wait until your next main meal and continue taking it as normal.
How long can you take Orlistat?
Your doctor or pharmacist will monitor your weight loss journey while you are taking Orlistat. If you lose 5% of your body weight within the first 12 weeks of taking it, then you can continue to use it. If you don’t meet this target, then it’s unlikely that Orlistat is right for you, and your doctor or pharmacist may suggest an alternative.
Is Orlistat effective for weight loss?
Orlistat is proven to help patients to lose more weight than they would using diet and exercise alone. One study found that over six months, patients taking Orlistat not only lost weight but also reduced their waist circumference and lowered their cholesterol².
Read more on this in our blog, ‘Do weight loss capsules actually work?‘
What should I eat while taking Orlistat?
To get the most from Orlistat, you should eat a well-balanced, calorie-controlled diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables, and low in sugar.
Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrates should be spread evenly over three meals, with fat making up 30% of your daily calories. We also recommend cutting out fatty snacks and treats, such as chocolate, biscuits, and crisps between meals.
When to take Orlistat
Orlistat should be taken three times a day (1 x 120mg tablet) with a main meal – either just before, during, or up to one hour after eating. To get the balance of absorption right, each meal should be made up of roughly 30% fat. If you miss a meal or eat a meal without fat in it, then you should skip that dose of Orlistat.
Is Orlistat an appetite suppressant?
Unlike some diet pills, Orlistat will not suppress your appetite. It works by blocking the enzymes that break down the fat you eat so it cannot be absorbed by the body.
Where can I buy Orlistat?
You can buy Orlistat from private pharmacies online and in-store. If you buy online from a regulated pharmacy like Post My Meds, you’ll be asked to complete a confidential online consultation so our pharmacists can check to make sure it is safe for you to take Orlistat.
Save yourself a trip to the doctor – it’s quick and easy to buy online, and you can expect to receive your order via Royal Mail in plain packaging to protect your privacy.
Can I buy Orlistat over the counter UK?
Orlistat 120mg is only available with a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist. However, a lower-strength version, known as Alli, is available to buy over the counter. It contains the same active ingredient (orlistat) and is safe to use without a prescription.
Can you take orlistat if you have a health condition?
If you have a serious health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure then you should talk to your doctor before you start treatment. They may need to alter your medication.
Type 2 diabetes can slow down the rate of weight loss, and it may take longer to reach your target weight.
How do I buy orlistat online?
It’s easy to buy orlistat UK online from Post My Meds in just a few simple steps:
- Complete an online consultation
- Select your treatment
- Pay for your order
We ask all our customers to complete a short online consultation before they pay for their order. Once your order has been received, one of our pharmacists will review your answers to check that you are eligible to take orlistat – we only sell medication where it is safe to do so.
You should answer honestly and never buy medicine on behalf of someone else.
Orders placed before 4pm on a weekday or 11am on a Saturday are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after this are dispatched the next working day.
Delivery is free with Post My Meds.
Will my order be packaged discreetly?
All orders are sent out in discreet, unbranded packaging to protect your privacy. The only thing on there will be your name and address.
Is it safe to buy medicines online?
Post My Meds is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and abides by the same laws and ethical practices as other high street pharmacies.
Everything we sell is approved by the UK’s regulatory body for medicines and healthcare products (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
References:
¹ Patient [online] Orlistat – weight loss medication [updated 1 Mar 2018; cited 5 Jan 2022] Available from: https://bit.ly/3q5o3RC
² Jain SS, et al. National Library of Medicine [online] Evaluation of efficacy and safety of orlistat in obese patients [updated April 2011; cited 5 Jan 2022] Available from: https://bit.ly/30UXunQ
